Scrapbook; Drawings c. 1874 - 1880

John Singer Sargent made this scrapbook drawing depicting boats struggling against a storm. The turbulent sea, a motif as old as art itself, speaks to the primal fears of humanity. Throughout history, across cultures, the sea has symbolized both life and death, opportunity and destruction. Think of the ancient Greek god Poseidon, wielding his trident, capable of stirring up tempests or calming the waters. Or consider the biblical flood, a cataclysmic event that cleansed the world, paving the way for a new beginning. Here, the waves crash against the boats with ferocious energy. This recalls similar depictions across time, from Hokusai's "Great Wave" to Turner's seascapes. In each iteration, the sea embodies an untamable force, reflecting our own internal struggles against the overwhelming currents of life. This image evokes a powerful subconscious response, tapping into our deepest anxieties and the collective memory of humanity’s enduring struggle with nature. Thus, the cyclical dance continues: from ancient mythologies to modern art, the sea persists as a potent symbol, forever shifting, forever relevant.